ASI TO UNDERTAKE EXCAVATION AT NUMBER OF NEW SITES

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RAJYA SABHA

The Archaeological Survey of India has identified the sites of Adi Badri, Kapalmochan-Rinmochan, Thaneswar, Sandhauli, Kunal and Rakhigarhi, Hanumangarh, Pilibangan, Badopal and Baror and dholavira for excavation during 2003-2004 under the project of a multi-disciplinary study of the Sarasvati river and its basin.

In addition, the other sites selected for excavation during the present Plan period include Warangal Fort, Talatalghar at Sivsagar, Bhimbetka, Daultabad, Langudi Hill, arikamedu, the Ruined Palace of Maharana Pratap at Chavand, Boxanagar, Residency Complex at Lucknow, Lachhagir. The programmes that are chalked out also comprise underwater investigation off shore Mahabalipuram and shipwreck off Bangaram Island in Lakshadweep.

This was stated by the Minister for Tourism and Culture, Shri Jagmohan in reply to a question by Shri E.M. Sudarsana Natchiappan in Rajya Sabha today.